The Archaeological Site of Pompeii - Campania - Discover Italy You are in Home / Discover Italy / Campania / The Archaeological Site of Pompeii The Archaeological Site of Pompeii History of the Archaeological Site Pompeii is located on a plateau formed by the Vesuvius volcano's lava flow. The city dominated the valley around the Sarno River, the delta of which hosted a busy port. Information about the origins of the city are uncertain. The oldest available traces date back to the 7th-6th Centuries BC, when the first tuff walls, called pappamonte, were built to enclose an area of 63.5 hectares. A mixed population of Etruscans, Greeks and other Italic peoples led to the city's development. At the end of the 5th Century BC, the Samnites descended from the mountains of Irpinia and Sannio, settled in the plain of the Campania Region (Campania means "fertile plain") and conquered the cities near to Vesuvius and the coast. They created an alliance, the Capital of which was Nucèria.

During the Samnite period, the urbanization process enjoyed a great boost in ancient Pompeii: the construction of a new limestone fortification of the Sarno River, tracing a path similar to its predecessor, dates back to the 5th Cntury BC. With the conclusion of the 4th Century BC the Samnite tribes began to feel the pressure of a Rome that was spreading over Southern Italy, and that between 343 and 290 B.C. conquered all of Campania. Pompeii entered as a partner (ally) into the political organization of the Roman res publica. However, in 90-89 B.C., the city, along with other Italic peoples, rebelled, calling for social and political dignity equal to Rome. Pompeii was besieged by the troops of Publius Cornelius Sulla, and in 80 B.C. the city capitulated and became the Roman colony of Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum. After becoming a colony, it was rebuilt and endowed with private and public buildings, especially during the rules of the Emperors Augustus and Tiberius, from 27 B.C. to 37 A.D.

In 62 A.D. a violent earthquake struck the Vesuvius area. In Pompeii, the reconstruction began immediately, but it took an unusually-long time due the extent of the damage. Seventeen years later, on August 24, 79 A.D., the sudden eruption of Vesuvius buried Pompeii with ashes and lapillus. The buried city was rediscovered in the 16th Century, but it was only in 1748 that the exploration phase began, under the King of Naples Charles III of Bourbon. It continued systematically throughout the 9th Century up to the most recent excavations, restorations and enhancements of the ancient city, with the rediscovering of its exceptional architecture, sculptures, paintings and mosaics. The archaeological site of Pompeii spreads over 66 hectares, 49 of which have already been excavated. In 1858, director of the excavations Giuseppe Fiorelli had the idea of dividing the city into regions, or neighborhoods, and insulae, or blocks. The names of the houses were coined by the archaeologists over the centuries, under various criteria.

History of the Excavations The excavations began in 1748, under King Charles of Bourbon, as a way of increasing the fame and prestige of his Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The digging proceeded sporadically, without a well-defined plan, and only a few years later was the site actually identified as Pompeii. A part of the necropolis outside Porta Ercolano was dug up, together with the Temple of Isis and part of the theatres quarter. During the French occupation, in early 1800, activity expanded over the site, but gradually slowed again when the Bourbons were restored to throne. Works were concentrated on the area of the amphitheatre and the Forum, as well as around Porta Ercolano and the theatres district. The discovery of the House of the Faun, containing the large mosaic depicting Alexander the Great in Battle, caught the imagination of people all over Europe. Following the Unification of Italy in 1861, the designation of Giuseppe Fiorelli as director marked a turning-point in the excavations process. Since then the site has been explored systematically, its different sections connected, and detailed records of the activities produced and maintained.

The city's wall paintings have been left on site, rather than being detached and placed in a museum exhibit. Fiorelli also pioneered the practice of using plaster casts to reveal the silhouettes of some of the eruption's victims. From the early 20th Century, the excavations moved eastwards along the ancient town's principal streets, and more attention was paid to buildings' upper-floor remains. From 1924 to 1961, the excavations were supervised by Amedeo Maiuri, who oversaw a period of intense activity that included the discovery of prestigious buildings, such as the Villa of Mysteries; the complete recognition of the ancient town's perimeter; the excavation of most of Regions I and II and the necropolis of Porta Nocera; and the initiation of a methodical exploration of the layers below the 79 A.D. level, in order to bring to light the past of ancient Pompeii . In recent years, excavations have been scaled down so as to concentrate the limited resources available (not sufficient even to fulfill this goal) on restoring and maintaining the buildings which have already been exposed.

Campania Campania | Italy Campania Ischia Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017 The isle of Ischia Ischia is one of the most renowned holiday spots located in the Bay of Naples across Southern Italy and is less costly to stay as compared to its neighbor Capri. There are plenty of health spas and hot springs that makes it a favored destination among lot of tourists. This place has lot of tourists coming from Germany and Scandinavian countries along with many European people making a trip to this island resort. Ischia has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild Salerno Saturday, December 10th, 2016 View of Salerno from the Castello di Arechi Ph. flickr/Andrey Belenko The capital of the province of Salerno, in Campania, is the small city of Salerno. Located on the Tyrrhenian Sea on the beautiful Gulf of Salerno, the city is within an easy distance of the dazzling Amalfi Coast. Famous for being the location of the world's first medical university, Schola Medica Salernitana, Salerno was an important center for art, culture and learning dating back to the 16th century.

Over the The Sights, Sounds and Fragrances of Naples Wednesday, June 1st, 2016 Panoramic view of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background Ph. depositphoto/lachris77 One of the most spectacular sights in the City of Naples is the Bay, a semi circular inlet on the Tyrrhenian Sea, southwest of the city. It is 32 kilometers long and 16 kilometers wide. Though small, the Bay is known for its scenic beauty, which is enhanced by the steep, volcanic hills that surround it, including Mount Vesuvius. The romantic islands of Capri and Ischia are close in proximity Toledo underground station Tuesday, May 24th, 2016 In Italy, art is alive, it is something to be seen and enjoyed every day. Something to live not only in museums, but also during everyday's rush and routine. This is the philosophy underlying the building of what has been defined by the Daily Telegraph as the "most impressive underground railway station in Europe:" the Toledo underground station in Naples.

The list, created to outline the 22 most beautiful underground stations in Europe, is topped by this unique, all Italian example of modern Positano Monday, May 16th, 2016 Positano is a fishing village in the Amalfi Coast. According to legend, the village is a love gift from the Sea God Poseidon to his beloved nymph Pasitea. So it can’t be anything but beautiful and for a good reason it’s called "the pearl of the Amalfi Coast". ​ View of Positano Ph. Depositphoto.com/Maugli SIGHTSEEING IN POSITANO We all know Positano for its colorful houses climbing the hillside, the narrow winding roads, the steep steps and the blue sea (it has earned the blue flag for Benevento - One of Campania's Secrets Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 Even without an ancient set of ruins to see, a cathedral to visit, or some centuries-old castle to photograph, the sights of Italy away from the sea are as breathtaking as it is on the coastline.

So much of the country is filled with rolling hills, mountains, and lush scenic rural valleys that you have a hard time not filling your days in one of these scenic landscapes. Of the inland parts of the country, Tuscany, probably wins the popularity contest. It's sighted in Avellino Wednesday, February 10th, 2016 Sant'Alfonso Church in Avellino. Ph. Oliveo Scibelli on flickr (flic.kr/p/rT57GL) Aside from Rome, Florence and Venice, Naples and the island of Capri have been synonymous with travel to Italy. When planning trips to this part of the world many of those destinations are on the planning itinerary. Pompeii, Mt. Vesuvius, and the Mediterranean waters off of the west coast of the Italian peninsula have captivated the imagination of many as they venture over from various Settembre al borgo Saturday, August 29th, 2015 Caserta Vecchia, the historical and ancient part of the town Caserta, becomes theatre of an amazing event in September entitled Settembre al Borgo.

Caserta Vecchia, a medieval village in Campania Settembre al Borgo is an event based on music, theatre, dancing, art and culture that takes place every year, usually during the first week of September. The tower, the Annunziata Church, the Duomo, the Cathedral and the Vescovado square become an enchanting scenario Archeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata Friday, August 21st, 2015 ﻿ Archaeological area of Pompeii: roman ruins after the Vesuvius eruption Ph. depositphoto/sailorr Stepping into the ancient towns of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata (often referred to as Forgotten Cities) is like stepping back in time. Indeed, time seems to have frozen at these sites, which offer a rare glimpse into the lives of the ancient Romans. Eerily preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD the excavated towns offer a wealth of Capri: Suggested Itinerary Friday, August 14th, 2015 ﻿﻿ Lighthouse in Capri. Ph.

depositphoto.com/pippipi If you enjoy stunning scenery, awesome architecture and basking in the sun on a white, sandy beach, a trip to the Island of Capri should be your next move. This tiny volcanic island of irregular altitudes is only 5 km off the shores of Campania, in the Gulf of Naples. It is one of the loveliest and most popular tourist destinations in all of Italy. Capri is tiny: about 6 km long, 3 km wide, with a Capri Tuesday, July 14th, 2015 ﻿ Beach in Capri Ph. depositphotos/jkrasova If you'd love spending some time in a relaxed and calm environment, amidst natural beauty, history and the glitz of the rich-and-famous, then Capri is probably the best place to be. Capri is one of the most beautiful island destinations in Southern Italy, set in the beautiful Bay of Naples, just off the mainland.

In ancient times, it used to be a favorite spot for Roman emperors and aristocrats to Campania: Gateway to Southern Italy Friday, May 1st, 2015 The region of Campania is the gateway to the south and has been enjoyed as a vacation spot since ancient times. Campania is bordered on the north by Lazio and Molise, to the east by Puglia and to the south by Basilicata. The west of Campania is bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea and the gulfs, bays and rocky cliffs give the coastline some unbelievable vistas. Campania The Bay of Naples is dominated by the infamous volcano Vesuvius; on the slopes below lay the remains of its The Amalfi Coast Saturday, August 23rd, 2014 Costiera Amalfitana, Amalfi Coast Ph. depositphoto.com/Maugli The Costiera Amalfitana, or more simply, in English, the Amalfi coast, is an area of Italy blessed with great natural beauty and diversity.

Much of the Amalfi coast's settements were already very much established in the Middle Ages; the area's landscape comprises of mountains and sea, both defining an incredibly unique coast lline, characterized by several coves and creeks, many of which Procida Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 The colorful harbor in Procida, Gulf of Naples Procida is one of the smallest islands located along the Gulf of Naples and has some nice attractions for visitors, which includes some ancient excavations belonging to this region. This Phlegrean Island along southern Italy can be found in between Cape Miseno and Ischia island. Many tourists come to this spot to visit some of the old archeological findings, which are known to have a Greek origin. It has been a favorite spot of movie Pompeii's erotic fresco Monday, August 26th, 2013 ﻿ Pompeii's Phallus: Eroticism in Ancient Italy A reproduction of Erotic fresco by Sergio Bonometti ( ) The first thing that becomes evident once past the entrance gate at the present-day site of the city of Pompeii (fee approximately 10 Euros) is the utter silence that envelopes you.

Though tourists, guides and workers here talk as much as anyone else, somehow the ancient streets seem to swallow sound as though it is disappearing into the Museums in Naples Thursday, November 22nd, 2012 A guide to Italian museums: the most famous museums in Naples If you like visiting museums, and art is one of your greatest passions, Italy is the right country for you. Italy offers a high number of museums to discover; they will satisfy the most demanding tourists as they deal with pieces dating from prehistory to modern days. Those associating only famous, historic cities like Rome or Florence to art will be surprised to discover other places of Italy have quite a high number of museums Vietri sul mare Saturday, July 28th, 2012 Situated on the Amalfi Coast, Vietri sul Mare is the first town that tourists will encounter. Often considered the first pearl of a string along the coast, it begins the path that leads to the other beautiful towns of the area. It includes six hamlets: Albori, Benincasa, Dragonea, Marina, Molina, Raito. View of Vietri sul Mare. Ph.

flickr/Elicus Home to Etruscans, its first inhabitants, Vietri sul Mare was then inhabited by Romans who probably gave it the name "Veteri Naples becomes the protagonist of America's Cup Monday, July 23rd, 2012 Naples becomes the protagonist of America's Cup After several failed attempts, Naples finally hosted the biggest sailing competition, rightly considered one of the most prominent social and sporting events in the world: the America's Cup. The 2012's America's Cup has chosen Naples as its scenic backdrop. The city has witnessed some of the most beautiful sailing boats around crossing and animating the waters of its crystal clear sea. This competition has taken place in several towns and Castello di Arechi Friday, June 1st, 2012 salerno castle campania italy Down in South West Italy, the provincial capital town of Salerno in the Campania region is home to Castello di Arechi. Located on the Bonadies Mountain, 300 metres above the Tyrrhenian Sea level, this castle was built in the seventh century on behalf of the Lombard Prince Arechi II who moved the capital of the Dukedom from Benevento to Salerno.

On a hot day, the uphill stroll can seem like a trek up Everest though believe me if you like history and scenery, this Vesuvio National Park Friday, June 1st, 2012 Vesuvio National Park - The Volcano Goethe once said once you've seen Naples you can die. Whether or not this is true is, of course, debatable, but what is certain is that one can't appreciate the unique characteristics of the city or its people without taking into account that they live in the shadow of a mighty volcano. Mount Vesuvius, destroyer of Pompeii, is still active today and the Vesuvius National Park was created in part to safeguard this famous volcano. The park Vallo di Diano and Cilento National Park Friday, June 1st, 2012 Cilento - Medieval Bridge Cilento is known to be an outstanding cultural location. It has a large group of settlements and sanctuaries along its mountain ridges which vividly portray evolution of history of the region. It was an important route not just for trade, but also for political and cultural reasons during the medieval periods.

Cilento was also known to be the boundary between the colonies of Etruscan people and Magna Graecia. The ruins of two main cities from the ancient Shopping in Campania Friday, June 1st, 2012 Campania - Ventotene Island The Campania region is located in southern Italy. The region is the second most populated region in the country. It is spread over an area of 13,595 sq km but has a large population of 5.8 million which makes its very densely populated. The Tyrrhenian Sea is located to its west and Capri and the Flegrean Islands are also under the administration of Campania. The capital of the region is Naples. The region is known to be rich in architecture, archeology and culture Caserta Friday, June 1st, 2012 Panoramic view of Caserta. Ph. flickr/Enzo Natale Finding spots to visit and explore in Italy is not that difficult. What makes travelling here so simple is not only the fact there is so much to see, but also that you're literally only a train ride or a drive away from anywhere.

With rail and state highways throughout the country, a trip to your destination of choice, for the most part, becomes fairly effortless. One favorite pastime of Herculaneum Friday, June 1st, 2012 Herculaneum ruins, Ercolano. Ph. Wikimedia. Most people are aware of the destruction of Pompeii that occurred on August 24, 79 A.D. The ruins of Pompeii are world famous. Each year thousands of visitors flock to Italy to view the archeological wonder. They are one of the most visited attractions in the country. Relatively few people realize that on the day Mount Vesuvius erupted it destroyed another city, Herculaneum. Through the ages, the ruins of this Royal Palace of Caserta Friday, June 1st, 2012 Reggia di Caserta: the Royal Palace This stunning architectural complex at Caserta – which includes the Royal Palace, its magnificent gardens, the San Leucio complex, and the Aqueduct of Vanvitelli – is a true wonder. The large palace, often compared to luxurious buildings like Versailles and the Royal Palace in Madrid, is a UNESCO's World Heritage Site.

The Royal Nativity Scene -- Royal Palace, Caserta, Italy. Naples at Night Friday, June 1st, 2012 Night view of Naples Naples, located in the southern part of Italy in the region of Campania, has the ranking of the third most populated city in Italy, with well over one million inhabitants and is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Naples sits on the northern edge of the most stunning bay in Italy - the Bay of Naples. The splendid islands of Capri and Ischia and Mount Vesuvius lie within close proximity to the city. With its great cuisine, numerous historic and artistic sights, sunny Telese Terme Friday, June 1st, 2012 Telese Terme: A Samnite Tradition in Campania Telese Terme is a small town in the province of Benevento, in the region of Campania. Set in the Telesina valley, 60 meters above sea level, Telese is not too far from famous towns situated in the region such as Caserta and Naples, only 45 km away.

Despite being a short drive from these urban centers, Telese Terme has the advantage of being far from chaos and noise. The town enjoys an attractive geographical position, as it is surrounded by Map of Campania, Italy - ItalyGuides.it History, facts and travel tips about Campania Campania is an area of incredible riches in natural beauty as well as art and culture. Though it may not always be easy to unearth Campania 's wealth of natural beauty, cultural treasures and fascinating hidden history, those who embark upon this quest of discovery, will discover unimaginable treasures and double recompense for their efforts. The region of Campania stretches over a wonderfully varied area of Italy, covering coastal areas as well as fertile and beautiful plains further inland, embracing the peace and picturesque tranquility of Capri , Ischia the Amalfi coast, the city and province of Naples including Pompeii , with the furies and glories of Vesuvio. Writing of Naples , the novelist and essayist Stendhal compared it with Paris for prestige as the Principle city of Europe: " Naples , a large city office of history with Paris , the only possible European capital".

He continued with the following: " Naples ; to my eyes is, without any comparison, the most beautiful city of the universe". The list of pleasures and treasures is almost endless, a few of which include unforgettable glimpses of the coast of Naples with gulfs and bays, characteristic winding streets of the Spanish Quarter, palaces, monuments and churches of which there are approximately 500, and the imposing Maschio Angioino; the latter is a castle, rich in history and tales of the morbid and the fascinating, built in honour of and on the orders of Charles of Anjou. Add to this the mysterious subterranean tunnels and shadowy caverns beneath Naples and you discover a galaxy of tales of torture and intrigue, very probably as alive today as ever it was in yesteryear. No city or province of Italy would be complete without its culinary delights, and the province of Naples is in no wise lacking in this respect. Thus the city is furnished in every way with a wealth of fascinating culture and vibrant energy. Campania has a convenient balance of beauty and productivity, as it has areas on the coast and inland. It is therefore perfectly placed for both trade and agriculture.

Some provinces advantageously over looking the sea, like the stunning islands of Procida, Ischia, Capri and the wild coast of Cilento have been ideal Ports throughout the centuries. The plains, towns and mountains (such as the beautiful mountains of Matese) further inland with their agricultural resources, temperate climate and idyllic pastoral countryside have made Campania a valuable asset to invaders over the years. Grain and other essentials for export to motherlands and the support of colonies "planted" in the area could be easily managed within the province. Each occupation and regime instituted in the area has profited from this, and left impressions, sometimes indelible, on the culture of the area, as well as on the architecture and landscape. Campania is rich in Archeological treasures, some well known like Pompeii and Herculaneum, others less so, like the Bay of Baia or the ancient secrets cast in stone and rock at Cuma. Of central importance is the majestic Reggia di Caserta, (the King's Palace of Caserta) forerunner and inspiration for the French palace at Versailles, and pride of the Bourbon era.

Another historic treasure shrouded in the mystery of history is the Lombard city centre of Benevento from the high middle ages. Though Benevento had been a town in the days of Antiquity, eighth century Lombard-Germanic tribes who had created the Kingdom of Italy, settled in the area and made Benevento significant as the southernmost tip of their duchy. Knowledge of this epoch has been lost over the centuries, but it is known that the Lombards divided Italy into provinces and established towns. The historic town centre of Benevento has well preserved traces of Lombard remains, town planning and architecture, as well as evidence of their Roman predecessors. Campania has always been known for its fertility, thus the Latin dwellers there knew the land as "felix", meaning happy, or rich. This ancient "happy land" however has been party to both use and abuse in both ancient and more modern times. Mismanagement, political controversies and the long tentacles of illegal organizations have affected the major cities of Campania, hindering healthy economic growth. Thus the long story of this beautiful region has had its fair share of peaks and troughs.

Benevento has been inhabited since the stone age but first received notoriety with the arrival of the Greeks who founded nearby Cuma, one of the oldest cities of Magna Grecia. It was then colonized by the Etruscans who, in competition with the Greeks for prestige colonies and land, founded the city of Capua. These two factions were permanently at war till their disputes were settled by a third party: the warlike Samnites from the region of Abruzzo who thickened the fray and diluted the power of either. The Romans, for a brief period, used the area as a deportation ground for rebels, upstarts and enemies of peace till the time of Augustus who, recognizing its value, revived and "modernized" the area. Thus Campania experienced a period of prosperity with the construction of waterworks, leading to the establishing of Capua and Brindisi. However, this brief period of prosperity was superseded by economic decline as products from Africa and Spain became popular and Campania fell into economic decline. Falling prey to famine and pestilence as well as economic difficulty left it vulnerable to waves of invasion by the Goths, Vandals and Byzantines.

The latter lost all but the naval bases of Gaeta, Naples and Sorrento to the subsequent arrival of the Lombards. The Ninth Century brought the Saracens into Campania and the Lombards to heel leaving them only Amalfi and the status of a maritime presence and power. The eleventh century saw the arrival and eventual take over of the Normans, who by infiltration achieved status and domination during the course of almost a century, and bought peace, architectural restoration and renewed prosperity to Campania. This respite lasted till the arrival of the French Angevin dynasty with Charles Ist who, having been ousted from Sicily by the natives, fled to Naples, where he established his royal seat. Naples then grew in status, becoming a major European city and a kingdom in its own right. Campania however, suffered irreparable damage in this period due to warring factions of the Spanish Aragon powers in Sicily and French Angevin forces in Naples, who struggled for control of both dominions, between which, Campania was trapped. During this period, The Kingdom of Naples became the second most important capital in Europe after Paris and a cultural centre for the renaissance.

Campania as a whole however did not see glory again until the rise of Bourbon power in the 1800's and the construction of the Majestic Palace of Caserta, which bought justifiable notoriety and a new lease of life to the area. A century and a half later, during the second world war, massive damage was done to the region with the loss of property and invaluable cultural possessions. Many other masterpieces were lost in the earthquake of 1980, which affected Irpinia particularly badly. This region of conflicting interests, characterized by the beauties of both land and sea, immortalized in the myths of Naples, tormented by the terrors of potentates, and the dictates of the nature of Vesuvius has none the less, preserved the past sometimes in ashes, as testimony to those who throughout the centuries have served to make Campania all that it is, and all that it is not to this day. Pompeii & Herculaneum - Rome (Civitavecchia) Shore Excursions | Rome Tours - Discoveryguidedtours.com Pompeii & Herculaneum Use the form below to contact us directly. Please complete all required fields.

Your name What would you like to inquire about? How much is 9 + 9? Thank you. We will get back you with regards your tour booking within 24 hours. Traveller info We wish you a pleasant tour your Discovery Tours team Locations General Our English-speaking chauffeur/guide will welcome you at your hotel or at any other places of your convenience. After, you will drive directly to Pompeii via highway A1. Once you have arrived in Pompeii, your chauffeur/guide will introduce you to your local, archeological, English-speaking guide for a 2 hour private tour through the ruins of Pompeii. Pompeii is a buried and ruined Roman city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the commune of Pompeii. It, along with Herculaneum (its sister city), was destroyed, and completely buried during a catastrophic eruption of the volcano, Mount Vesuvius spanning two days on August 24, 79 AD. The volcano collapsed higher roof-lines, and buried Pompeii under many meters of ash and pumice. It was lost for nearly 1,700 years before its accidental rediscovery in 1748.

Since then, its excavation has provided an extraordinarily detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the Pompeii tour, our English-speaking chauffeur/guide, together with the archeological guide, will drive you to Herculaneum for another 75 minute private tour through the ruins of this ancient city. Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town, located in the territory of the current commune of Ercolano. Its ruins can be found at the coordinates 40°48’21?N, 14°20’51?E, in the Italian region of Campania. It is most famous for having been lost, along with Pompeii, in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Since the discovery of bones in 1981, some 150 skeletons have been found. Herculaneum was a smaller town, with a wealthier population than Pompeii at the time of its destruction. Our English-speaking chauffeur can suggest some local, typical restaurants in that area or in the only 20 minutes away city of Naples for lunch.

After lunch, your English-speaking chauffeur will take you on a scenic drive through Naples; he will suggest what to see and where to stop. You will return back to Rome at around 7:00pm. This tour length 10 hours approx. and is conducted by an English-speaking chauffeur/guide and a local, archeological English-speaking guide for a private tour through the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Available departures € 1.200,00 Note: Due to Italian laws, the price for groups of 9 and larger includes an official guide and/or tour escort for tours and excursions. (Excludes port and city transfers) Our rates do not include entrance fees or meals, unless specifically stated above in description. For credit card and PayPal payments, there will be a 6% convenience fee added to the total bill. Rates and/or discounts are subject to change without notice. *Rates may subject to change depending on availability & seasonality,so we highly recommend to proceed with your booking as soon as possible in order to secure the published price.

*All rates as published above does not include taxes (+10% VAT) We work hard to find the best possible options for your time frame and budget requests. To verify the cost and to book, use the calendar below, choose a date, select, and reserve your tour. Our tours fill up quickly (sometimes 3 months in advance). Use our Online Booking System (It's really easy). Today Naples -Campania - Italy. - YouTube Naples -Campania - Italy. Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Feb 8, 2015 Naples -Campania - Italy. Naples is the capital of the Italian region Campania and the third-largest municipality in Italy, after Rome and Milan. As of 2012, around 960,000 people live within the city's administrative limits.

The Naples urban area has a population of between 3 million and 3.7 million, and is the 9th-most populous urban area in the European Union. Around 4 million people live in the Naples metropolitan area, one of the largest metropolises on the Mediterranean Sea. Naples is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Bronze Age Greek settlements were established in the Naples area in the second millennium BC. A larger colony – initially known as Parthenope, Παρθενόπη – developed on the Island of Megaride around the ninth century BC, at the end of the Greek Dark Ages. The city was refounded as Neápolis in the sixth century BC and became a lynchpin of Magna Graecia, playing a key role in the merging of Greek culture into Roman society and eventually becoming a cultural centre of the Roman Republic. Naples remained influential after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, serving as the capital city of the Kingdom of Naples between 1282 and 1816. Thereafter, in union with Sicily, it became the capital of the Two Sicilies until the unification of Italy in 1861.

During the Neapolitan War of 1815, Naples strongly promoted Italian unification. Naples was the most-bombed Italian city during World War II. Much of the city's 20th-century periphery was constructed under Benito Mussolini's fascist government, and during reconstruction efforts after World War II. In recent decades, Naples has constructed a large business district, the Centro Direzionale, and has developed an advanced transport infrastructure, including an Alta Velocità high-speed rail link to Rome and Salerno, and an expanded subway network, which is planned to eventually cover half of the region. The city has experienced significant economic growth in recent decades, and unemployment levels in the city and surrounding Campania have decreased since 1999. However, Naples still suffers from political and economic corruption, and unemployment levels remain high. Naples has the fourth-largest urban economy in Italy, after Milan, Rome and Turin. It is the world's 103rd-richest city by purchasing power, with an estimated 2011 GDP of US$83.6 billion.

The port of Naples is one of the most important in Europe, and has the world's second-highest level of passenger flow, after the port of Hong Kong. Numerous major Italian companies, such as MSC Cruises Italy S.p.A, are headquartered in Naples. The city also hosts NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples, the SRM Institution for Economic Research and the OPE Company and Study Centre. Naples is a full member of the Eurocities network of European cities. The city was selected to become the headquarters of the European institution ACP/UE and was named a City of Literature by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network. The Villa Rosebery, one of the three official residences of the President of Italy, is located in the city's Posillipo district. Naples' historic city centre is the largest in Europe, covering 1,700 hectares (4,200 acres) and enclosing 27 centuries of history, and is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Naples has long been a major cultural centre with a global sphere of influence, particularly during the Renaissance and Enlightenment eras.

In the immediate vicinity of Naples are numerous culturally and historically significant sites, including the Palace of Caserta and the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Culinarily, Naples is synonymous with pizza, which originated in the city. Neapolitan music has furthermore been highly influential, credited with the invention of the romantic guitar and the mandolin, as well as notable contributions to opera and folk standards. Popular characters and historical figures who have come to symbolise the city include Januarius, the patron saint of Naples, the comic figure Pulcinella, and the Sirens from the Greek epic poem the Odyssey. According to CNN, the metro stop "Toledo" is the most beautiful in Europe and it won also the LEAF Award '2013 as "Public building of the year". Naples' sports scene is dominated by football and Serie A club S.S.C. Napoli, two-time Italian champions and winner of European trophies, who play at the San Paolo Stadium in the south-west of the city. All images are either in the Public Domain or on Google images labeled for reuse.

All music is credited to with kind permission to Kevin MacLeod and his website incompetech - Royalty free music - Text by wikipedia - Campania Italy, Visit Napoli (Naples), Capri, Amalfi Coast - Tour Italy Now Tour Italy Now Amalfi Coast Caserta A large region in the south of Italy, situated at the ankle of the boot, Campania boasts a whopping 5.8 million inhabitants and about 5,200 square miles in area, making it Italy’s most densely populated region. More than half of those people live in the capital of Naples and its surrounding communities but the area with the densest population is along the pretty coastline. Much of Campania makes its living in agriculture. The region produces more than 50 percent of all the nuts consumed in Italy and is also well-known for its fruits and vegetables, particularly tomatoes. Olive oil and wine are produced here as well, but not to the extent that they are in some other regions of the country. Others make their living in small businesses, at the port, or in the tourist sector. Despite its deep agricultural roots, Campania is a region full of history and culture and a must-see on any tour of Italy.

There are a wealth of archaeological sites to enjoy here including Herculaneum, Paestum, and the more well-known Pompeii. This partially-buried Roman town near Naples was destroyed by an eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and was first rediscovered in 1599. Since about the mid 18th century, it has been a premiere tourist site and still attracts in excess of 2.5 million visitors per year. Nearby, the capital city of Naples is known for its art and architecture, music, history, and scrumptious cuisine. Home to one of the most important ports in Europe, Naples boasts a historic center that includes fine examples of medieval, Renaissance, and baroque architecture evident in many of its nearly 30 churches and numerous other notable buildings. Visitors can also explore beautiful public parks and gardens, stroll through museums and art galleries, and even take in a bit of “underground” Naples. And when it’s time to eat, visitors can partake of one of the region’s wonderful specialties including fried pizza, rich mozzarella cheeses, and a host of fresh seafood prepared in various ways.

The western side of Campania is dotted with lovely little seaside villages and one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world – the famed Amalfi Coast. Nothing short of stunning and spectacular, the Amalfi Coast is rugged and known for its treacherous stretch of road that has tourists hanging on for dear life, despite the skill of the bus drivers who traverse it. The drive and the photos you’ll get along the way are the piece de resistance here, but the towns are pretty as well, especially Positano, a small enclave where guests can browse some unique shops and enjoy lunch in a café by the water. For another water attraction, head to the Isle of Capri, once the vacation destination of several Roman emperors. To get there, nab a boat in Sorrento and head to the island, where you can hike, explore Roman ruins, and visit the famous Blue Grotto. And while you’re in Sorrento, take some time to explore this lovely town. It’s covered with lemon and olive groves, boasts a very safe tourist area, and is a good venue for shopping or just taking a relaxing stroll.

Region of Campania - Italia Mia Italia Mia Region of Campania The region immediately south of Lazio, Campania, marks the real beginning of the Italian south or mezzogiorno. tweet Bay of Naples The region immediately south of Lazio, Campania, marks the real beginning of the Italian south or mezzogiorno. It’s the part of the south too, perhaps inevitably, that most people see, as it’s easily accessible from Rome and home to some of the area’s (indeed Italy’s) most notable features – Roman sites, spectacular stretches of coast, tiny islands. It’s always been a sought-after region, first named by the Romans, who tagged it the campania felix, or “happy land” (to distinguish it from the rather dull campagna further north), and settled down here in villas and palatial estates that stretched right around the bay. You might, of course, find this hard to believe now, and anyone coming in search of the glories of the Bay of Naples is likely to be disappointed.

Industry has eaten into the land around the city so as to render it almost unrecognizable, and even in the city the once-grand vistas are often cluttered by cranes and smoke-belching chimneys. Many people take one look and skate right out again, disappointed at such a grimy welcome. But give the area time. Naples is the obvious focus, an utterly compelling city and one that dominates the region in every way. At just two-and-a-half hours by train from the capital, there’s no excuse for not seeing at least this part of Campania, though of course you need three or four days to absorb the city properly, before embarking on the remarkable attractions surrounding it. Inland Campania is, by contrast, a poor, unknown region for the most part, but the nearby towns of Capua and Caserta repay visits and are easily seen on day-trips. Similarly Benevento, an old stop on the Roman route to Brindisi, has its moments, though you might want to make this part of a wider trip through Campania’s interior (or on to Puglia), bearing in mind that it’s a difficult and not especially rewarding area to travel through.

The area south of Naples has more immediate appeal – beach-bum territory on the whole, though certainly not to be avoided. Sorrento, at the far east end of the bay, is a major package-holiday destination but a cheery and likeable place for that; and the Amalfi coast, across the peninsula, is probably Europe’s most dramatic stretch of coastline, harbouring some fantastically enticing – if crowded – beach resorts. Further south, the port of Salerno is an inviting place and gives access to the Hellenistic site of Paestum and the uncrowded coastline of the Cilento just beyond. For more information about Campania visit wikipedia Pompeii - Ancient History - HISTORY.com Google Life in Pompeii Ever since the ancient Greeks settled in the area in the 8th century B.C., the region around Mount Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples attracted wealthy vacationers who wanted to soak up the sun and the scenery. By the turn of the first century A.D., the town of Pompeii, located about five miles from the mountain, was a flourishing resort for Rome’s most distinguished citizens. Elegant houses and elaborate villas lined the paved streets.

Tourists, townspeople and slaves bustled in and out of small factories and artisans’ shops, taverns and cafes, and brothels and bathhouses. People gathered in the 20,000-seat arena and lounged in the open-air squares and marketplaces. On the eve of that fateful eruption in 79 A.D., scholars estimate that there were about 20,000 people living in Pompeii and the surrounding region. Did You Know? Mount Vesuvius has not erupted since 1944, but it is still one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Experts believe that another Plinean eruption is due any day--an almost unfathomable catastrophe, since almost 3 million people live within 20 miles of the volcano’s crater. Mount Vesuvius The Vesuvius volcano did not form overnight, of course. In fact, scholars say that the mountain is hundreds of thousands of years old and had been erupting for generations. In about 1780 B.C., for example, an unusually violent eruption (known today as the “Avellino eruption”) shot millions of tons of superheated lava, ash and rocks about 22 miles into the sky.

That prehistoric catastrophe destroyed almost every village, house and farm within 15 miles of the mountain. But it was easy to overlook the mountain’s bad temper in such a pleasant, sunny spot. Even after a massive earthquake struck the Campania region in 63 A.D.–a quake that, scientists now understand, offered a warning rumble of the disaster to come–people still flocked to the shores of the Bay of Naples. Pompeii grew more crowded every year. 79 A.D. Sixteen years after that telltale earthquake, in August 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted again. The blast sent a plume of ashes, pumice and other rocks, and scorching-hot volcanic gases so high into the sky that people could see it for hundreds of miles around.

(The writer Pliny the Younger, who watched the eruption from across the bay, compared this “cloud of unusual size and appearance” to a pine tree that “rose to a great height on a sort of trunk and then split off into branches”; today, geologists refer to this type of volcano as a “Plinean eruption.”) As it cooled, this tower of debris drifted to earth: first the fine-grained ash, then the lightweight chunks of pumice and other rocks. It was terrifying–“I believed I was perishing with the world,” Pliny wrote, “and the world with me”–but not yet lethal: Most Pompeiians had plenty of time to flee. For those who stayed behind, however, conditions soon grew worse. As more and more ash fell, it clogged the air, making it difficult to breathe. Buildings collapsed. Then, a “pyroclastic surge”–a 100-miles-per-hour surge of superheated poison gas and pulverized rock–poured down the side of the mountain and swallowed everything and everyone in its path.

By the time the Vesuvius eruption sputtered to an end the next day, Pompeii was buried under millions of tons of volcanic ash. About 2,000 people were dead. Some people drifted back to town in search of lost relatives or belongings, but there was not much left to find. Pompeii, along with the smaller neighboring towns of Stabiae and Herculaneum, was abandoned for centuries. Rediscovering Pompeii Pompeii remained mostly untouched until 1748, when a group of explorers looking for ancient artifacts arrived in Campania and began to dig. They found that the ashes had acted as a marvelous preservative: Underneath all that dust, Pompeii was almost exactly as it had been 2,000 years before. Its buildings were intact. Skeletons were frozen right where they’d fallen. Everyday objects and household goods littered the streets. Later archaeologists even uncovered jars of preserved fruit and loaves of bread! Many scholars say that the excavation of Pompeii played a major role in the neo-Classical revival of the 18th century.

Europe’s wealthiest and most fashionable families displayed art and reproductions of objects from the ruins, and drawings of Pompeii’s buildings helped shape the architectural trends of the era. For example, wealthy British families often built “Etruscan rooms” that mimicked those in Pompeiian villas. Today, the excavation of Pompeii has been going on for almost three centuries, and scholars and tourists remain just as fascinated by the city’s eerie ruins as they were in the 18th century. Tags

Question: The site of Pompeii is dose to which city, the capital of Italy's Campania region?
Answer: Naples